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Industry Happenings
Starwood and Tanriverdi Mensucat Sanayii A.S. to Open New-Build 220-key Sheraton in Samsun, Turkey
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | August 26, 2013
STAMFORD, Conn. - August 26, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that it has signed an agreement with Tanriverdi Mensucat Sanayii A.S. to open a new-build Sheraton hotel in Samsun, Turkey. Scheduled to debut late 2014, Sheraton Samsun Hotel will mark Starwood's entry into the emerging city and will be the company's 11th hotel in Turkey. The Sheraton brand continues to grow around the globe and remains on track to open its 500th hotel by 2015. "I would like to thank the Tanriverdi family for putting their trust in Starwood and the Sheraton brand as we enter into our first hotel development toge...
A Look at Pod Hotels by Teresa Lee
Teresa Y. Lee | August 26, 2013
by Teresa Y. Lee August 2013 INTRODUCTION Pod hotels are hotels with smaller rooms than traditional hotels, usually less than 200 square feet, with minimum amenities. While these have evolved from their Japanese capsule hotel origin, the four main characteristics of a pod hotel are still small rooms, no frills or extra amenities, low prices, and central locations.(1) Within pod hotels, there are two main variations: urban areas and airport hubs. Pod hotels located in urban cities provide a cheaper alternative to traditional hotels by trading a smaller space for a lower price. Thus, many of these pod hotels only provide the minimal ameni...
Construction Slated to Start for 155-Room Cross County Shopping Center Hyatt Place in Q4 2013
BuildCentral | August 26, 2013
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Add/Update 145 Hotel Projects to the New Hotel Construction Projects Database Chicago, IL. August 26, 2013 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have added or updated 145 hotel projects in the last two weeks to Hotel Construction, a nationwide database of hotel construction projects, openings, and key decision makers (Owner/Developers, Architects and Contractors). These proposed hotels are still in the planning stages. Now is the perfect time to have your product drawn into plans, or offer construction services: Downtown Hotel - Hyatt Place (Asheville, NC) Laura Street Trio Development (Jacksonville, FL) Gra...
JinJiang Launches Mid-Market Brand of Hotels to be Known as Jinjiang MetroPolo
MetroPolo | August 26, 2013
Brand's First Hotels are to be Designed into Historic Buildings in Shanghai, Creating the MetroPolo Classiq Group of Properties August 26, 2013 - Jinjiang announces that Christopher Sheldon, recently of the notable real estate development company, Jackson Shaw in Dallas, Texas, has rejoined this highly successful Chinese hotel chain. Based in Shanghai, Sheldon will be assisting top leadership with the development and launch of the new mid-market brand of hotels to be known as Jinjiang MetroPolo. This new brand is aimed at providing an exceptional value lodging experience to the well-educated, more travel savvy, and experience seeking pr...
Hospitality Upgrade Video Release: Experts Share Their List of the Top Trends in Revenue Management
Hospitality Upgrade | August 23, 2013
Hospitality Upgrade interviews industry experts at HSMAI ROC 2013 to gain insight into the top trends in revenue management Atlanta, Ga. - In a video release from Hospitality Upgrade Magazine earlier this week, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) President and CEO Bob Gilbert discussed the educational sessions of the 2013 HSMAI ROC (Revenue Optimization Conference), in which speakers identified several companies that are expected to be game changers in the future of revenue management. In addition to Gilbert, several industry experts weighed in on the conference as a whole, as well as the key...
Castelfalfi, an 800-Year-Old Medieval Hamlet in Tuscany – A Story of Revitalization and Restoration
Toscana Resort Castelfalfi | August 23, 2013
Montaione, Italy - August 23, 2013 - An inspirational story of revitalization and restoration, Castelfalfi, an 800-year old medieval hamlet that has risen and fallen several times throughout its history, is in the midst of a new renaissance. In 2007, the German tourist brand TUI AG purchased an entire village in the heart of Tuscany. The project, the largest of its kind in Europe at the moment, is a 250 Million Euro investment and promises to bring the village 'back to life' as a unique resort development including three hotels, residential and resort real estate, restaurants featuring gourmet and Tuscan fare, retail boutiques, meeting ...
Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center on Long Island, NY Names Kevin Palm as Executive Chef
Strand Development | August 23, 2013
Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, August 23, 2013 - The I.A.C.C.-certified Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center has named Kevin Palm executive chef for the historic North Shore, Gold Coast property. Ata Kashanian, vice president and general manager, made the announcement. "It is with the greatest pleasure that I welcome Chef Palm to The Mansion," said Mr. Kashanian. "He comes to us with a remarkable culinary background spanning important assignments and training in the United States and internationally. Having worked with both freestanding restaurants and in the luxury hotel setting, he brings a unique understanding of the culi...
California’s 120-room L’Auberge Del Mar Hires Jennifer Chapman as National Sales Manager
L'Auberge Del Mar | August 23, 2013
Del Mar, Calif.- August 23, 2013 - L'Auberge Del Mar has announced that Jennifer Chapman joins its team as national sales manager for the 120-room property located along the Southern California coast in the heart of Del Mar Village. Chapman will be responsible for the Orange County, Calif. and Southeast U.S. markets. Chapman joins L'Auberge Del Mar from Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, CO where she was a top achiever for three years as group sales manager. Her previous experience includes executive meetings manager at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., assistant director of banquets at Omni Interlocken, CO and catering m...
Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park Completes $2.5 Million Meeting Space Renovation
Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park | August 23, 2013
CHICAGO, August 23, 2013 - This summer, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, 200 North Columbus Drive, debuts a $2.5 million renovation of the hotel's 63,000 square feet of meeting space, which now includes 15 meeting rooms ranging from 400 to 16,000 square feet. This project is the culmination of a more than $60 million lobby-to-roof renovation of the entire hotel. "This final piece of our five year renovation unifies the meeting space with the contemporary feeling of the rest of the property, creating space that is both artistic, yet modern," said Mark Huntley, regional vice president and general manager. "The look of our new space is a...
Fibra Inn Acquires the 105-room Hotel Camino Real Guanajuato in Mexico’s Bajío Region
Fibra Inn | August 23, 2013
MONTERREY, Mexico -- August 23, 2103 -- Deutsche Bank Mexico, S.A., Banking Institution, Trust Division F/1616 or Fibra Inn (BMV:FINN13) ("Fibra Inn" or "the Company"), a Mexican real estate investment trust specializing in the hotel industry serving the business traveler, announced today the purchase of the Hotel Camino Real Guanajuato. The acquisition was paid in cash with the proceeds from the initial public offering that took place on March 13, 2013. The price was Ps. 230 million, excluding taxes and acquisition expenses. This acquisition represents the first hotel of the pipeline, after consolidating the commitment to purchase the ...
Superstorm Sandy Damage Repaired, Renovations Complete for Event Space at NY’s Andaz Wall Street
Andaz Wall Street | August 23, 2013
NEW YORK (August 23, 2013) - Andaz Wall Street, the first Andaz property in Manhattan and the only hotel on Wall Street has recently debuted its new Concourse Level. This space encompasses event facilities, meeting rooms, and a full-service fitness center. After incurring damages from Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the Concourse Level was closed for over seven months. During this period, Andaz Wall Street analyzed booking trends and guest feedback in order to renovate and reimagine the space, offering the most cutting-edge technology, a stylish setting and the signature Andaz hospitality experience. "We are grateful to have our Concourse Lev...
Choice Appoints Karmela Gaffney as its New Vice President of Digital Commerce
Choice Hotels | August 23, 2013
ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 23, 2013 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, today announced the appointment of Karmela Gaffney to Vice President of Digital Commerce based out of the company's global technology hub in Phoenix, Ariz. Gaffney will report directly to Choice Hotels Senior Vice President, Global Distribution, Robert McDowell. In this role, she will lead the development of the Choice Hotels Digital Commerce strategy, including search engine optimization, relationships with third-party providers, and ongoing improvements to the functionality of ChoiceHotels.com and mobile and tabl...
BOCO Enterprises & Packard Hospitality Group Open New 126-room Hyatt Place Detroit/Novi
HYATT PLACE | August 23, 2013
Left to right: Clay Pearson, City Manager of Novi; Mathew Gibb, Deputy Oakland County Executive; City of Novi Mayor Bob Gatt; Blair Bowman, President of BOCO Enterprises, Inc; Dave Biswas, Legislative Director to Michigan State Senator Mike Kowall; Ryan Gauthier, Hyatt Place Detroit/Novi General Manager; and Hugh Crawford, Michigan State Representative. Photo credit: Linda Michele-Dobel Novi Mich. (August 22, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Packard Hospitality Group, a California-based company, today announce the opening of Hyatt Place Detroit/Novi. Attached to Suburban Collection Showplace as an expansion to the Diamon...
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney Sold for $306.8M to Korean Investors, Mirae Asset Global Investments
Jones Lang LaSalle | August 23, 2013
SYDNEY, 22 August 2013 – One of Sydney's trophy five-star hotels, the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, has been sold for AUD340 million (approximately USD306.8 million) to Korean investors, Mirae Asset Global Investments. The hotel was jointly marketed by Jones Lang LaSalle's Hotels & Hospitality Group and McVay Real Estate on behalf of Eureka Funds Management. Glen Boultwood, Fund Manager of Eureka Funds Management commented, "We are delighted with the sale of the hotel which was in response to Unitholders' desire to crystallise the strong profit growth over the past four years in a period where returns from other property asset classe...
Stefan Huber Named as General Manager for the 528-room Intercontinental Dallas in Texas
InterContinental Dallas | August 23, 2013
DALLAS (August 23, 2013) - InterContinental Dallas, the city's thriving convention and lifestyle hotel, today announced the appointment of Stefan Huber as the property's new General Manager. Huber brings nearly 30 years of hotel management experience to the InterContinental, where he'll oversee all phases of the hotel. Huber comes to the InterContinental Dallas with extensive industry knowledge ranging from intimate boutique to full service hotel, resort and convention settings. For the past five years, Huber worked for Destination Hotels and Resorts and served as the General Manager at various locations throughout the US. During his te...
PM Hospitality Strategies Assumes Management of Four Hotels; Two in Manhattan and Two in Delaware
PM Hospitality Strategies (PMHS) | August 23, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 23, 2013 - PM Hospitality Strategies (PMHS), a hotel management company, today announced that it has signed management contracts to provide technical and pre-opening services for two hotels in Manhattan and two hotels in Delaware. The company will operate the hotels upon their opening in 2014. "We are seeing increased interest in development in the current phase of the hotel economic cycle which matches up well with one of our areas of management strength-new hotels. PHMS has been involved in the development of more than 20 successful hotels over the past decade, all of which have produced excellent returns," sa...
Aria Hotels Adds the Elatos Resort and Health Club on Greece’s Mount Parnassos to its Collection
Aria Hotels | August 23, 2013
August 23, 2013: Aria Hotels (www.ariahotels.gr), a specialist in authentic Greek hospitality in the country's lesser-known hideaways has added the Elatos Resort & Health Club (www.elatos.com) to its collection of boutique hotels and villas. Elatos is a hidden gem just over two hours from Athens on Greece's Mount Parnassos offering quiet, relaxed skiing in winter and glorious hiking, mountain biking and other country pursuits all year round. In the coming months the hotel will undergo a number of improvements and upgrades which should be completed by December 2013. The Elatos resort which was built in 1996 comprises 39 classic chale...
Rachel Mirves Joins VenueQuest Team
VenueQuest Global Meetings | August 23, 2013
Rachel Mirves, a Michigan based, 15-year veteran of multi property hotel sales has joined VenueQuest Global Meetings & Travel of Alpharetta, Georgia as a Global Account Manager. Rachel has spent much of her career with Marriott International, where she earned President's and Chairman's Awards for excellence in servicing the needs of clients in diverse market segments including corporate, government, sports and entertainment. "I am excited to transition from sales to consulting where I can help VenueQuest clients place their meetings in the perfect venue, regardless of what name is on the front of the building." Recently, she was res...
Aqua Hospitality Completes $10 Million Renovation of the 221-room Park Shore Waikiki on Oahu, Hawaii
Park Shore Waikiki | August 23, 2013
Honolulu, Hawaii- August 23, 2013 - Aqua Hospitality continues its revitalization of Waikiki with the official introduction of the newly renovated Park Shore Waikiki, a classic Oahu hotel with an enviable location fronting Waikiki Beach. This exciting property underwent a $10.7 million enhancement to emerge as the area's most stylish boutique hotel experience for both leisure and business travelers. "This historic property has been completely transformed into a chic getaway that caters to the needs of today's traveler," said Elizabeth Churchill, senior vice president of sales and marketing. "The hotel is modern and relaxed, perfectly co...
The 323-room Newly-built Novotel Danang Premier Han River Opens in Central Vietnam
Novotel | August 23, 2013
Danang City, August 23, 2013 - Novotel Danang Premier Han River, a newly-built upper midscale hotel located on the West bank of the Han River, has opened its doors in the heart of Danang city in central Vietnam. Currently the highest building in Danang, this new property promises a new hotel experience and convenience for both business and leisure travellers visiting this vibrant city. Mr. Patrick Basset, Senior Vice President, Accor Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines says, "We are proud to introduce a new Novotel to Danang, a city that is gaining a lot of attention as one of the fastest growing resort desti...
Haiti Ministry of Tourism Signs Global Academic Partner (GAP) Agreement with Educational Institute
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute | August 23, 2013
Orlando, Florida, August 2013-Officials from the Haiti Ministry of Tourism visited the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) in early August to discuss how EI can assist the ministry with its goals for preparing a qualified workforce for its emerging hospitality industry. Maryse Noel, general director, and Daniel Denis, director of workforce development, met with Ed Kastli, EI's vice president, international sales, and other Orlando team members, prior to signing Global Academic Partner (GAP) agreements for two schools operated by the Ministry of Tourism: the Ecole Hôtelière d'Haiti in Port-au-Prince and the Institut...
Red Lion Signs Two Franchise Agreements in Greater Los Angeles Region
Red Lion Hotels Corporation | August 23, 2013
SPOKANE, Wash., Aug. 23, 2013 - Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) today announced the company will open two new locations in the Greater Los Angeles Area after signing new franchise agreements on existing hotels in Ontario and Perris, Calif. "We are looking to expand our brand in additional markets in Southern California and these two hotels are the right fit for our portfolio," said Ron Burgett, Executive Vice President of Lodging and Brand Development for Red Lion Hotels. "Both properties will provide new stay opportunities for our Red Lion guests in a region of the country that enjoys strong brand recognition." The first franch...
Ground Broken for the 135-room Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, to Open in Ohio in Early 2015
August 23, 2013
NEW YORK -- August 23, 2013 -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the debut of Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, adding this cosmopolitan Midwest city to Le Méridien brand's rapidly expanding global portfolio. Owned by The Pizzuti Companies and operated by Wischermann Partners, the new build 10-story hotel will offer 135 modern rooms with all of the Paris-born brand's signature amenities and services. Located in the Short North Arts District, the city's cultural center, Le Méridien Columbus is slated to open in early 2015, and today's ground-breaking ceremony, attended by representatives from Pi...
Plantation on Crystal River on Florida’s Nature Coast Joins Ascend Hotel Collection
Ascend Collection | August 21, 2013
CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. (August 21, 2013) - Located on Florida's Nature Coast, the Plantation on Crystal River announced today that it will join Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, as a member of the Ascend Hotel Collection - a worldwide network of one-of-a-kind hotels known for authentic, local experiences and a shared commitment to outstanding service and amenities. As part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, the Plantation will have access to Choice Hotels International's robust reservations and distribution system for more than 6,200 hotels worldwide, including the Ascend Hotel Collecti...
